Alert 11 – 04 Transfer Pumps (Primer Cap Hazards)
WHAT HAPPENED:
A transfer pump on the reserve pit had stopped working. The driller alerted a crewmember to shut down the pump and take the primer cap off to re-prime the pump if needed. The injured person (IP) shut off the transfer pump and began to open the primer cap by loosening the bolts on the top cap. Pressure from the pump blew the cap off resulting in super-heated mud spraying the crewmember in the face. The injury resulted in 3rd degree burns to the IP’s face and neck with permanent injuries.